zerro

bezane... I'm not defending Hank persay (after all what he said was a bit wimsical), but I think you were a little rough on him. I too did not post a thing until several weeks after my first HT. The reason being because I didn't have any thing valuable to offer and I could do all my research reviewing other posters. Perhaps, this is what he did also. In addition, he was probably excited about his HT and wanted to tell someone (us) who is willing to listen. I hope you did not scare him off! That would be a real shame. I'm also weary of posters who are trying to sell a DR. and I have snapped at someone who was being a little unreasonable about another issue, which I felt uncomfortable with later because that is not my style. However, Hank's post didn't sound like a pitch. Just someone who felt excited, however misguided it seems. Although I feel I have gone to one of the finest DR.s in the field, I still will never make a recommendation. I'm not comfortable with those people making single Dr. recommendations. I'll leave the recomendations to Pat who has visited numerous Dr.s, attending many symposiums and has acquired more knowledge and seen more HT's than the rest off us combined. Yet, people do make very specific recomendations here on a regular basis; why is it you don't rattle their cage? Furthermore, if this is truly someone who just got a HT, he is need of a lot of good advice and support in the coming months. Maybe he didn't research a thing about Ht's, which is a mistake (that's why he allowed Dr. Gable cut an additional strip), but the biggest mistake would be to scare Hank off now that he is going to be asking for advice. I read these post daily and post little because this forum is been straying from its original purpose. Lately, it seems it has become a personal chat room for a few 'worthy' posters who are unwilling to let others in. My advice... leave post that bother you personally, alone. Say little if anything... If they're truly false, Pat will weed them out.

Pat... I'm of the pre-shaven generation too. That and I just look plain ridiculous. Some heads are just meant not to be shaven. So what would you do? You've provided conflicting arguments. Mudpuppy... ouch! That is not what I wanted to hear. Did Dr. Hasson warn you about that, or was it a surprise to everyone? -And, does the shocked hair go into a long dormant cycle or does it begin to grow within a couple of weeks?

Hey thanks Pat... you the man. Like I was afraid of, you and DR. Hasson answered my question. Again, the same explanation I received from Dr. Haber. He said it was my option, but ideally, I should cut it short. I have to be back in the classroom in the fall so, I was hoping for a different answer, which I pretty much new wasn't going to happen. It's to bad that we have to take two steps back before we can take three steps forward. However, that's great news about a previous Ht. Short hair I can accept, spots where it has fallen out I can't. I've read the second procedure may take a little bit longer to start growing. Had that been your experience? Any way, thanks for the quick reply.

Hi everyone. I have scheduled my 2nd procedure in May and was wondering if a past Ht will suffer shock loss. My first ht (1600+) will only be 11 months new! and I have elected to place all or most of the future fu's (1800+)in the same area. Anyone experienced with this? My doctor asked me to shave my head for the next procedure and I looked at him like he was nuts. I told him I was just now getting to the point were I'm happy with it's length and that there would be little chance of me doing that. He said he understood, but thought he would ask because it makes it easier for him to work and that most guys don't mind. Well, news flash, here's one that does! My question is does it make more sense for me to go ahead and do it, optimizing the results, or can he, like he suggests, get the same results -it will just take a little longer. Should I be concerned about the results, or making life easier for him.

Hi everyone. I have scheduled my 2nd procedure in May and was wondering if a past Ht will suffer shock loss. My first ht (1600+) will only be 11 months new! and I have elected to place all or most of the future fu's (1800+)in the same area. Anyone experienced with this? My doctor asked me to shave my head for the next procedure and I looked at him like he was nuts. I told him I was just now getting to the point were I'm happy with it's length and that there would be little chance of me doing that. He said he understood, but thought he would ask because it makes it easier for him to work and that most guys don't mind. Well, news flash, here's one that does! My question is does it make more sense for me to go ahead and do it, optimizing the results, or can he, like he suggests, get the same results -it will just take a little longer. Should I be concerned about the results, or making life easier for him.

Worried... I haven't posted in quite a while. However, I would like to try to help you out. Anxiety post-op is totally normal. I was totally wigged out about how noticeable a procedure is for about the first 3 months. However, you have a lot more hair than I did and should be able to cover it up quite well. In addition, I was concerned if I had made the right choice about who I chose to do the procedure and whether or not I should have done it. The answere to all that is yes, I do not regret any of the decisions I made. Not-to-say that I didn't during the first six months of post-op. I too have worn a hat for years, if you're as self-conscious of your hair loss as it sounds (like so many of us here are), you have about eight months to go until you'll get any 'real' cosmetic benifits from your procedure. But don't fret, it will come. You'll certainly experience noticeable growth long before that, but you're likely not going to be satisfied until eight months out. Continue to wear your hat until your comfortable with taking it off. True, shockloss is a concern, does happen and from what I hear comes back if the hair was healthy. Others will be more helpful in that area, since I did not suffer from shockloss. I did not have any hair in the area of placement. However, I do now and for my up coming surgery I will ask for advice and comments on the same subject in a different post. Be careful using rogaine so soon after your procedure. It can cause irratation. Remember, your placing an alcohol based product on open wounds and in grown hairs. Some say it can decrease the dorment period. However, from my experience my Ht was growing two months out without using it, which is a pretty fast start. Everyone is different. I read your blog and noticed you are taking proscar. I'm curious -for how long? If I remember correctly, I went through a heavy shed cycle after I had been on propecia 4-5 months. From what I understand that is normal too and it will grow back if the hair is healthy. I do not know if the hair I lost grew back, because it was a diffused loss and it would be impossible to tell; I do know that after that initial shed I'm not losing hair as rapidly. It has worked for me. I'm ten months post-op(1610 graphs), satisfied with my first procedure and have scheduled my second (1800 fu's)in May. I understand your concern over a bald crown, but forget about it for a while. You took the right approach in adding more density to the front. After all, that is where the most cosmetically significant change will take place. In fact, all or most of my future fu's will be placed in the front again. I'm 39 and have accepted the fact that I'm going to have a balding crown. But that is me... I could certainly invest 3000+ fu's and a large handful of money in covering it up, but I've decided against it for now. I've placed a price limit on my vanity!

Thanks for the reply guys. As always Robert, your evaluation is dead on. I believe I do have to change the way I cut my hair, but that has become a harder decision for me than my decision to get a HT. When I say long... it's long for how bald guys usually wear their hair. My hair is pretty wavy and with a truly uncombed look I can kind of mask and blend the sides into the new HT. (Not a comb-over) If I go shorter, I'll lose the wave and masking. It's kind of stupid but... I'm sure plenty of you have been there before. The stylist I have been going to for years may not be able to help me out or give me sound advice. The funny thing is... I went to her a few weeks ago and she had no clue what I had done. When I told her because I figure she had to know, I had noticeably more hair than the previous visits this summer, it nearly knock her off her feet! She was combing and feeling my scalp for any sign that it was a HT. She come up with nothing. And, almost didn't believe me. She had all kind of questions. Her teenage son is starting to thin rapidly, her husband is balding badly and she has a uncle who had a doll-look Ht done in the 80's, wanted to know if there's help out there for him. I kind of felt like a HT consultant. I definately could use the extra income! Well, anyway really don't dare go to anyone else because she does a good job; trust factor. I also been throwing around the idea of highlighting or going lighter. Do you think that helps hair to blend in with the scalp. Can't really tan up because it never stops snowing in this winter wonderland I live in. -ha Any advice? Oh one more thing. I used V05 Hot Oil Treatment on my hair a few days ago, and it seemed to soften up and make my HT feel natural. I use Nioxin shampoo and conditioner. Do these products tend to dry your hair out?

Why such small procedures? That's what I've been asking myself lately. Truly, it is because it was my doc's recommendation. Nothing else! This is one of the concerns that I will bring up to him when I see him again. But, my feeling is he doesn't like to go with larger sessions. I agree though, that 2600 is a better number and I may have to go elsewhere to achieve that. Not sure. Dr. Haber is recommended on this site. In fact, this is where I found his practice. Although I believe he is a highly-qualified surgeon, I'm just a little disappointed in the small numbers of graphs. -And no doubt, I had higher expectations of the true coverage. He didn't mislead me, he told me it would be thin coverage. I just didn't understand how thin. I couldn't visualize it. Yet, at the same time I'm really only half way home. I have a little over 6 mo. before it will be a year. I understand that is when most people would say a HT has fully matured. I'm I being unrealistic in expecting more at this point? So, in light of that. I would like to build on what I have, but the shock loss part has me concerned. I realize it should grow back. What concerns me is I don't want to take a step back to eventually go forward. Is shock loss inevitable when increasing density? Donar hair is good. Medium brown, good thickness and wavy. Laxity isn't a concern either. I could easily go with a larger session. A question I usually wonder about is Post-Ht FU yield. I have no clue if this is all 1600 yet or if there is still some in transition. Being the first time and all, I'm still in the learning stage of this whole thing. That's why I'm asking for your advice. thanx

Hey guys/gals... I haven't posted in a while because I don't believe I have anything of value to add. However, I do read the boards on a regular basis. Anyway, I'm nearly six months post-op and not real impressed with the results. My Ht has been growing since mo. two, has considerable length but poor density. Does the density improve from here? I think I was overly optimistic that the frontal area would be a done deal or at the very least much better. NW 6, 1600 fu's in the front half. More concerns... I would like to try a new hair style but I think I would go from bad to worse. I wear my hair long now. If I shorten everything, will it make everything look thicker? Also, and I might just be full of it, but I think the Ht is a different texture. It doesn't feel as soft as everything else, maybe a little dry or something. Does that improve with time? More concerns... I knew I was going to have to get another Ht to help camoflauge the back area, but if the front doesn't improve I want to place it there. But then of course, I run into the problem of shock loss with the existing ht. I can settle for being bald in the back, but I would like the front to look great. I'm stopping at just one more ht at 1600 graphs for a while because of time and money. I'm neither patient or rich. I have to see my dr. soon for a six mo. check-up and will address these concerns with him, but I wanted to know your experiences and take, first. In no way am I beating this dr. up over this. He told me in the beginning I would need two or three ht's to be satisfied. I'm not mad, just a little disappointed that at this stage it doesn't look better. Oh one more thing... I've been playing with the idea of adding concealers and even bought some dermatch. I don't know, maybe I'm not appling it correctly. However, I'm not impressed. It's no more than makeup and when applied looks like you haven't washed your scalp in a while. Anything else out there that may work? thanks

Hey guys/gals... I haven't posted in a while because I don't believe I have anything of value to add. However, I do read the boards on a regular basis. Anyway, I'm nearly six months post-op and not real impressed with the results. My Ht has been growing since mo. two, has considerable length but poor density. Does the density improve from here? I think I was overly optimistic that the frontal area would be a done deal or at the very least much better. NW 6, 1600 fu's in the front half. More concerns... I would like to try a new hair style but I think I would go from bad to worse. I wear my hair long now. If I shorten everything, will it make everything look thicker? Also, and I might just be full of it, but I think the Ht is a different texture. It doesn't feel as soft as everything else, maybe a little dry or something. Does that improve with time? More concerns... I knew I was going to have to get another Ht to help camoflauge the back area, but if the front doesn't improve I want to place it there. But then of course, I run into the problem of shock loss with the existing ht. I can settle for being bald in the back, but I would like the front to look great. I'm stopping at just one more ht at 1600 graphs for a while because of time and money. I'm neither patient or rich. I have to see my dr. soon for a six mo. check-up and will address these concerns with him, but I wanted to know your experiences and take, first. In no way am I beating this dr. up over this. He told me in the beginning I would need two or three ht's to be satisfied. I'm not mad, just a little disappointed that at this stage it doesn't look better. Oh one more thing... I've been playing with the idea of adding concealers and even bought some dermatch. I don't know, maybe I'm not appling it correctly. However, I'm not impressed. It's no more than makeup and when applied looks like you haven't washed your scalp in a while. Anything else out there that may work? thanks

What... a concealer. And, I thought the lazer comb was working. May the force be with you young Skywalker. Just kidding damo...everyone has to have some toys. Tell me a little more about this concealer... does it work and is it undetectable. I've never really considered it because it's like fake. But is it undetectable close up.

that's just down right funny...

Oh yeah, you didn't get screwed (unless maybe they put you under) I'm sure their highly qualified and it will work out... but don't look for miracles over night.

billy... I'm like at 105 days post-op or so (without doing the math), and my HT began growing at 2 months (60 days) post-op (I guess it's a little earlier than norm), which was great. It kinda looked like vellus hair in the beginning but it does darkend and thicken up rather rapidly. But if you think it is bad waiting until it begins to grow, wait until it begins- then things really get bad. You see potential, but it takes forever. I'm still waiting for an asthetic result. It sucks... it really does. But I do see progress every week in length, new hair and thickening of new hair. I hope in 60 more days I get some relief. I was prepared to do the whole procedure... but not to under take the waiting. We all want it now. I wish I had better news... but it seems like it takes forever because we are so fixated on it. No advice, you just have to suck it up for a while longer.

Mahair... just a thought, no harm intended. No one needs to do six months of research when using this forum. Let's face it the posters have already been doing the research for years. However, what you do need to do is take the time to read relevant Q&A, make a visit or two to some top notch dr's recommended by many of the others on this forum, ask those dr. relevant questions and make a gut decision. Because of others, a few weeks to a month should suffice. Typically, anyone asking questions has been throwing the idea around for a while in their head anyway. I was for years... for me it was all about perfect timing. Two words of advice... there are wide extremes on these forums to many Q&A, most likely the answer lays somewhere in the middle. Ex: the visibility of an Ht post-op., just to name one. Personalities and individual situations play a key role in this. However, for the most part you will get good advice, though it sometimes varies slightly, from experienced and honorable people. Most major topics the forum pretty much forms a consensus. -And, don't choose a dr. unless he/she can answer all your questions satisfactorly. In other words, if he/she contradicts the consensus of the forum, run like the wind.

Good question! I'm experiencing a lesser density in my right hairline, so I would like to hear some feedback also. HT 6/16/05 Nesral- you're 2 months ahead of me. Other than than the obviuos, how does it look so far?

I would just like to say that Robert and markcia about summed it up. However, I'll add a little something too. If you get a HT now, you will always be playing catch-up behind nature. I'm sure there will be many times in the next 10-20 years, after the original HT, that you will look unfinished and will want more and more. If you have the resources, money and enough Fu's to last you a lifetime- go for it. But what happens is you will have a great looking hairline and nothing else. And that impressive 20 year old hairline will look like crap especially on someone say thirty or forty... it will most certainly will look like it doesn't belong. At least wait until you can obtain an impressive distinguished hairline. You really can't count on any medical advances to play in your favor. Don't wait until your bald... just wait long enough until you and your doctor can determine the natural progress of your balding. If your 20 and losing your hair...your probably heading to a NW 6-7 over the next 10 years. So, how many HT's are you willing to have?

Thanks KG... but I already know I have to be patient- but I really don't want to. So, while I wait I thought it would be interesting to get some stimulating and fun conversation going about post/pre HT Balding experiences. You know the funny sh.. or things that have happened that were totally off the wall. Like... a couple weeks ago I was sitting in a bar totally to myself and out of the blue this girl came over, took my hat and walked away. What the heck is up with that. Are we in second grade; does this mean she likes me? At least before she saw my head. -ha In fact, it seems most everytime I go out this happens, in various respectable establishments. It happened again last night, new girl/different place; what's up with that. It's unreal to me. Don't people have an awareness that each of us have 'personal zones' that can't be breached. I realize there is a time to let down your guard, but the girl should at least tell me your name first. -ha Honestly, I game! I'm extremely easy going, but I did kind of flip-out on that girl. I asked if it would be acceptable to her, if I were to go around and grab her boob and snap her G-string and bra strap anytime I wanted. I was a little rough (in a polite way) but she caught me off guard and I'm really sick of this happening. Anyway, I just thought it would be kind of cool... as people are reading and posting in various other topics (you know the important stuff) there also might be a location where we might vent, tell stories and have some respectful fun (PG type). Or not!

Guys, (I'm just venting) today is 3 months post-op and I'm ready to burst. Everything seems to be going well... although, some of my HT is nearly an inch to 1 1/2 long (with some shorter), it all hasn't started to grow yet and at this point hasn't offered any aesthetic value yet. I really need to get beyond this... the anticipation and frustration is stressing me out. I want to move on, throw away all those stupid hats, show off my new hair, post some pics- so I don't look like a hypocrite or fraud to you guys and start concentrating on the important stuff. I have many things I need to focus on, but all I can do is think about my hair. So, help me out; give me your best shot, fire-away, do what ever you have to to help me get out of this funk. I have a great sense of humor (a little miss understood at times) but nevertheless, quite innocent and I take it probably better than I dish it out. Idea: Pat and Robert, because so many people that visit this site are under a lot of stress; how about a 'Laughter is the Best Therapy' section. Can't use 'medicine' because Readers Digest has coined that. That cartoon with the guy growing hair out his butt was funny, which reminds me of this my brother always says that, "he is not loosing his hair, it is now just growing on his back." Well anyway, I'm sick of being so serious about this all the time. Anybody else feel the same way?

Guys, (I'm just venting) today is 3 months post-op and I'm ready to burst. Everything seems to be going well... although, some of my HT is nearly an inch to 1 1/2 long (with some shorter), it all hasn't started to grow yet and at this point hasn't offered any aesthetic value yet. I really need to get beyond this... the anticipation and frustration is stressing me out. I want to move on, throw away all those stupid hats, show off my new hair, post some pics- so I don't look like a hypocrite or fraud to you guys and start concentrating on the important stuff. I have many things I need to focus on, but all I can do is think about my hair. So, help me out; give me your best shot, fire-away, do what ever you have to to help me get out of this funk. I have a great sense of humor (a little miss understood at times) but nevertheless, quite innocent and I take it probably better than I dish it out. Idea: Pat and Robert, because so many people that visit this site are under a lot of stress; how about a 'Laughter is the Best Therapy' section. Can't use 'medicine' because Readers Digest has coined that. That cartoon with the guy growing hair out his butt was funny, which reminds me of this my brother always says that, "he is not loosing his hair, it is now just growing on his back." Well anyway, I'm sick of being so serious about this all the time. Anybody else feel the same way?

Not_A... if you think you're frustrated now, wait until you are several months post-op. The waiting and anticipation is a killer. The heck with being patient, I want my hair now! Honestly (intended in the nicest possible way), the fixations have just begun my friend.

billy... you should be fine after 10-15 days. Usually, the dr. will tell you that you may go back to a normal shower routine after he/she removes the stitches/staples. Until then, use a plastic cup to wet and rinse your hair. But, I already thought you where way beyond this stage? Wasn't your HT in like July?

That's funny... zdfger... obviously if you have "new" growing hair where there once was none, people that you interact with frequently, will notice. Now if they can tell if it is a transplant or not depends on the skill of the surgeon. You may be able to tell them a new drug is responsible for the growth, that junk laser comb, a shampoo, that you wished it to grow back real hard (and it did) or if their really stupid, you can tell them that you been shaving your hair or plucking it out for years to make you look balding/bald and you now decided to let it grow back. I don't know but, the people I know aren't that naive. Certainly, the less hair you begin with, the more obvious a HT will look. I assume, someone that has not lost a lot a hair and is in the beginning stages of losing their hairline can pull this off. But like Robert said, one gets an HT to enhance their life not to hide-out. If you can't hide it for the first few weeks or so, just be prepared to take some abuse from your friends, family, neighbors, hairstylist, co-workers, boss, the ladies at the food mart, dentist, doctor, pharmacist, peers, mail man, and so on. But the good news is all those pricks have a short memory and you can replace them all or move out of town and bury your head in the sand or under a Red Sox hat like me, which isn't a change because I've been wearing one for years. However, in six months or so... I won't give a crap about what they have to say anymore. I'm happy I did it. The bad part now is I'll have to slowly remove my dependency from that stupid cap. Which is worse: let people know about your new HT early and witness slow steady growth or hiding it entirely and start slowly showing your new hair off at 8 or 6 months. It is a dilemma either way. So, pick your poison and go for it!

Jeff... I just got back from my dr. today (3 mo. post-op check-up,) and I asked him about the shed some people experience with propecia. He said it was normal, almost used the same words I did to explain it (though, a little more medical but still in laymen words,) anyway he said don't worry, it will come back stronger than ever. Keep-in-mind that hair will stay dormant for a while then we should see about a half inch growth per month. Good news, after a few months our hair should feel and look fuller. Better than ever. I think I kind of goofed on the shock-loss experience. I did not experience any shock-loss... apparently it was natural shed and shed caused from propecia. Using mirrors he showed me my scar/donar area and clearly, there is no hair loss in that area and the scar is almost entirely invisible. His words "incredible!" He expects that the scars are going to look great, but this was unbelievable. He said I could get away with cutting my hair pretty short. I'm going to get a little off topic (I feel I have to because of an earlier discussion)... so, to all those guys that are fearful about excercise and lifting-weights because of SCAR stretching don't be, I was lifting full speed again within 18-20 days post-op, originally I tried sooner. Besides, I think the sweat helped remove impurities from the area. I knew my scar was in good shape because I can barely find it, but I wasn't totally sure because with just two hands I'm kind of limited moving mirrors around and trying to comb through my hair. I got to work on finding a extra pair. -ha Anyway, just be careful like I did! Back to subject... he said, I was experiencing great growth and to expect more density... clearly, he could see that there was still plenty of dormant hair. Anyway, I see him again in 3 months. At that time we'll discuss placement of another 1600 graphs. I was prepared to tell him I wanted to wait and see the potential of the first HT before I consider another, but he beat me to it... Overall, thanks to this site, I think I made a good choice. All my evaluations and research came from this site. Although, I never ask any questions, I kept an eye on past and current dialog... thanks guys. I'm very pleased now, it was a good check-up and I'm sure in 3-4 more months I will be ecstatic. But the waiting is a killer. ~zerro

Billy... from what I understand and have read on this forum: you may be experiencing a shed from the use of propecia, rogaine and shock loss in your donar area. The shed is totally normal... the medicine is driving the weakest hair, at the end of its natural cycle, to go dormant. Most of these hairs should come back stronger and healthier. I believe I went through this stage of shed and I'm waiting for a positive outcome. I read that if this happens... it may be a good sign because you are a person that is going to have a positive response to the medicine. Shock loss is not natural... but is a phenomenon created by the actual HT procedure. Blood flow and the hairs natural state have been disrupted, which in turn causes the hair to go dormant. Most of these hairs should regenerate also. I went through shock loss also. When I combed that area before I showered... it seemed I had a high number of fall-out. It however, is not noticeable and I believe the hair will come back. At this point I'm not concerned because it has stopped fallen out. Aditionally, fall-out does not occur at day one post-op. You're at 6 wks post-op and probably in that stage. Hopefully, it stops soon. Shampoo just a thought... I don't know why you're using Nizoral: is it because you have dandruf or is it that you heard is was good for your scalp/hair overall health? It may be, but I've never used it so I don't know. Regardless, I use Nioxin, which has eliminated my dandruf when other shampoos (even prescribed) have not, and I now believe it is the best cleanser/conditioner for your scalp and hair. And, you can use it every day! Although, it does not claim to regrow hair it does claim to wash away toxins and DHT and optimize the health of your scalp. Eliminating dandruf I guess, is a bonus or maybe a hidden wordplay (ex: toxins) part of the package. You may want to look in to it... ~zerro